News for 'Independent India'

Only those who...: Rijiju clarifies Modi's 'dimagi Naxals' remark

Only those who...: Rijiju clarifies Modi's 'dimagi Naxals' remark

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

Prime Minister Narendra Modi's 'dimagi Naxal' (intellectual Naxal) remark, made during his Independence Day address, has ignited a significant political debate, with Union Minister Kiren Rijiju clarifying that the comment targets those who support Maoists and separatists, not opposition leaders, while opposition figures like P Chidambaram have embraced the label in defiance.

Indians, Pakistanis see each other as greatest threat: Pew

Indians, Pakistanis see each other as greatest threat: Pew

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

A new Pew Research survey reveals that a significant majority of Indians (54%) consider Pakistan their greatest geopolitical threat, while 43% of Pakistanis view India as theirs, highlighting deep-seated distrust between the two nations.

Nearly 160 killed, over 750 missing in devastating Nepal flash floods

Nearly 160 killed, over 750 missing in devastating Nepal flash floods

Rediff.com2 days ago

A massive flash flood originating in Tibet has devastated central Nepal, killing 17 people and leaving nearly 500 missing, including 105 Indians. The deluge, caused by a rock slide near the Nepal-Tibet border, swept through districts, washing away bridges and severely damaging at least a dozen hydropower projects.

CJP launches 'School Thik Karo' campaign, demands private school fee cap

CJP launches 'School Thik Karo' campaign, demands private school fee cap

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Abhijeet Dipke, convenor of the Cockroach Janta Party (CJP), has initiated the 'School Thik Karo' campaign from his native village in Hingoli, Maharashtra, to address the alleged neglect of government schools and advocate for a fee cap on private educational institutions.

BJP replaces Amit Malviya, appoints new social media chief

BJP replaces Amit Malviya, appoints new social media chief

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has appointed Deepak Mhaskey, an academic and former board member of Engineers India Limited, as the new head of its social media department. He replaces Amit Malviya, who led the department for 11 years. Mhaskey, who holds a state minister-rank and is a permanent invitee of the BJP's Chhattisgarh unit, expressed gratitude for the significant responsibility.

Sports Ministry Orders Probe Into Hockey India Harassment Allegations

Sports Ministry Orders Probe Into Hockey India Harassment Allegations

Rediff.com15 Jul 2026

The Sports Ministry has directed Hockey India to investigate allegations of intimidation and sexual harassment raised by former India captain Asunta Lakra. Lakra accused Hockey India general secretary Bhola Nath Singh of intimidation and institutional protection of misconduct, urging an independent inquiry to safeguard women athletes.

Nagaland churches body opposes compulsory 'Vande Mataram'

Nagaland churches body opposes compulsory 'Vande Mataram'

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

The Nagaland Baptist Church Council has voiced strong opposition to any directive making the singing of 'Vande Mataram' compulsory, especially for Christians. They argue that patriotism should not be reduced to forced conformity and that India's constitutional values of liberty, pluralism, and freedom of conscience must be respected. The council also called for dialogue and sensitivity from state institutions.

Sports Ministry Orders Probe Into Hockey India Harassment Allegations

Sports Ministry Orders Probe Into Hockey India Harassment Allegations

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

The Sports Ministry has directed Hockey India to investigate allegations of intimidation and sexual harassment raised by former India captain Asunta Lakra. Lakra accused Hockey India general secretary Bhola Nath Singh of intimidation and institutional protection of misconduct, urging an independent inquiry to safeguard women athletes.

Why Hingorani Family Sold Gandhi Papers

Why Hingorani Family Sold Gandhi Papers

Rediff.com6 days ago

The Hingorani family's decision to part with the Gandhi archive after generations was guided by a desire to make it accessible to a wider audience and to fund initiatives that would extend its legacy.

Modern Marriage: 'I Thought Marriage Would Change My Husband'

Modern Marriage: 'I Thought Marriage Would Change My Husband'

Rediff.com2 days ago

Meera tells Rishika Shah/Rediff how a relationship that seemed perfect from the outside turned into a marriage she walked away from within a year.

'Enemies like India': Pakistan rules out talks with PoK protesters

'Enemies like India': Pakistan rules out talks with PoK protesters

Rediff.com29 Jul 2026

Terming protesters in Pakistan-occupied Kashmir (PoK) as "enemies" like India, Pakistan's Defence Minister Khawaja Asif has said there will be no dialogue with them, even as the death toll due to clashes between demonstrators and security personnel rose to 20 on Wednesday.

High-Powered Committee to Drive Banking Reforms for Viksit Bharat, Says FM Sitharaman

High-Powered Committee to Drive Banking Reforms for Viksit Bharat, Says FM Sitharaman

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Union Finance Minister Nirmala Sitharaman announced the government's plan to establish a high-powered committee to examine reforms for the banking sector, aligning it with the vision of a 'Viksit Bharat' (Developed India) and India's next phase of growth.

Tricolour to fly in former Maoist bastions this I-Day: Chhattisgarh CM

Tricolour to fly in former Maoist bastions this I-Day: Chhattisgarh CM

Rediff.com11 Aug 2026

Chhattisgarh Chief Minister Vishnu Deo Sai on Monday said Maoism was once considered difficult to eliminate, but the menace has now been wiped out, and this year the 'Tiranga Yatra' will also reach remote villages and schools in former Maoist strongholds of the state

What Caused Chinese Ship To Sink In 8 Minutes In Bay Of Bengal?

What Caused Chinese Ship To Sink In 8 Minutes In Bay Of Bengal?

Rediff.com3 days ago

The MV Ocean Winner sank within about eight minutes with 24 crew aboard; experts say excess moisture in its iron ore fines cargo may have caused liquefaction.

New 'boss' scam to dupe corporate employees busted

New 'boss' scam to dupe corporate employees busted

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

Ahmedabad Cyber Crime Branch has uncovered a Rs 1.5 crore WhatsApp fraud, leading to the arrest of two key SIM and OTP suppliers in West Bengal. The investigation revealed a sophisticated international cybercrime network spanning China, Pakistan, India, and Hong Kong, operating a "boss scam" and utilizing a "Cybercrime as a Service" model. Police recovered a significant portion of the defrauded amount and secured thousands of devices.

Galle Test: Gill hints at Prasidh's inclusion ahead of Gurnoor Brar

Galle Test: Gill hints at Prasidh's inclusion ahead of Gurnoor Brar

Rediff.com14 Aug 2026

India captain Shubman Gill has indicated that Prasidh Krishna is likely to share the new ball with Mohammed Siraj in the upcoming first Test against Sri Lanka.

Anti-reservation protesters detained at Jantar Mantar

Anti-reservation protesters detained at Jantar Mantar

Rediff.com7 days ago

Delhi Police detained several anti-reservation protesters at Jantar Mantar who were demanding that economic criteria be prioritised over caste for government support and reservation. The protest, mobilised via social media by 'Reservation Hatao Andolan', proceeded despite police denying permission for Jantar Mantar and offering Ramlila Ground as an alternative venue. Demonstrators called for a review of the existing reservation system and the introduction of a creamy-layer criterion.

If India Becomes A Doormat, The US Will Tread On It

If India Becomes A Doormat, The US Will Tread On It

Rediff.com23 Jul 2026

The harsh truth is that the US is no longer a reliable partner, cautions Ramesh Menon.

How Ai+ Is Investing Rs 100 Crore To Boost Smartphone Security

How Ai+ Is Investing Rs 100 Crore To Boost Smartphone Security

Rediff.com6 Aug 2026

Indigenous smartphone brand Ai+ has announced a Rs 100 crore bug bounty program over five years, inviting independent researchers to identify and address security vulnerabilities. This initiative, named Project Trust+, aims to foster a collaborative environment with the tech community to enhance the safety and resilience of Ai+ products, reflecting the company's commitment to transparent and collaborative security development.

Bengal STF nabs 3 in Cooch Behar over spying for ISI ahead of I-Day

Bengal STF nabs 3 in Cooch Behar over spying for ISI ahead of I-Day

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

West Bengal's Special Task Force has arrested three individuals in Cooch Behar for alleged involvement in espionage activities linked to Pakistan's ISI. The trio is suspected of smuggling Indian SIM cards to Pakistan via Bangladesh and producing counterfeit currency. These arrests follow a series of apprehensions in Bengal related to suspected terror links, including a Pakistani national believed to be a spy.

BNP veteran becomes new Bangladesh Prez in first contest after 35 years

BNP veteran becomes new Bangladesh Prez in first contest after 35 years

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir, secretary general of the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP) and a close ally of former premier Khaleda Zia, has been elected as Bangladesh's new President in the first contested poll for the post in 35 years.

At Home With The Most Famous Indian

At Home With The Most Famous Indian

Rediff.com19 Aug 2026

For 17 years, Mani Bhavan was Gandhi's Bombay home and nerve centre of the freedom movement.

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir sworn in as Bangladesh President

Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir sworn in as Bangladesh President

Rediff.com7 days ago

Veteran politician Mirza Fakhrul Islam Alamgir has been sworn in as Bangladesh's 23rd President, following a contested parliamentary election that saw him defeat Colonel (retd) Oli Ahmed. Alamgir, a longtime secretary general of the ruling Bangladesh Nationalist Party (BNP), will serve a five-year term.

Finfluencer Advice: What Investors Must Know

Finfluencer Advice: What Investors Must Know

Rediff.com13 Aug 2026

Verify a content creator's Sebi registration, qualifications and certifications before acting on their advice.

Is Caste Census Only In Name?

Is Caste Census Only In Name?

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Opposition leaders have questioned how caste responses will be recorded without state-wise pre-prepared lists.

How China Shielded Itself From Oil Shock

How China Shielded Itself From Oil Shock

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

China sailed through the crisis in the Strait of Hormuz relatively unscathed even as the impact of its steps shielded other consuming nations from having to pay high crude oil prices.

Supreme Court: 1978 'Industry' Definition Not for 2020 Labour Code

Supreme Court: 1978 'Industry' Definition Not for 2020 Labour Code

Rediff.com20 Aug 2026

The Supreme Court, in a 6:3 majority verdict, has ruled that the expansive, labour-friendly definition of 'industry' from its 1978 Bangalore Water Supply and Sewerage Board judgement will not be used for interpreting the Industrial Relations Code of 2020. However, the 'triple test' from the 1978 verdict will still apply to pending cases under the now-repealed 1947 Industrial Disputes Act.

Rahul Gandhi booked over Ram temple 'chanda chori' skit at Parl

Rahul Gandhi booked over Ram temple 'chanda chori' skit at Parl

Rediff.com1 Aug 2026

Bharatiya Janata Party leaders and seers have filed police complaints and FIRs against Rahul Gandhi, Pappu Yadav, and Awadhesh Prasad for a skit performed in Parliament, alleging it mocked Sanatan culture and ridiculed Indian traditions concerning Ram Temple donations.

IIM Bangalore Incubator Creates 35,000 Jobs, $7 Bn In Value

IIM Bangalore Incubator Creates 35,000 Jobs, $7 Bn In Value

Rediff.com17 Aug 2026

As NSRCEL enters its next phase, the incubator plans to focus on AI, deep technology and global partnerships as it looks to expand its reach.

Mahindra Racing Faces Uphill Battle In Formula E Finale

Mahindra Racing Faces Uphill Battle In Formula E Finale

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

Mahindra Racing's pursuit of a third-place finish in the Formula E Teams' championship was hampered after a challenging penultimate race in London. Despite Edoardo Mortara's impressive recovery from 18th to seventh, Nyck De Vries struggled, leaving Mahindra 13 points behind Andretti heading into the season finale. Poor qualifying performance due to tyre issues was cited as a key factor. The Drivers' Championship remains open for three contenders, while Jaguar TCS leads the Teams' standings.

'Won't leave Jantar Mantar until...': CJP protest continues

'Won't leave Jantar Mantar until...': CJP protest continues

Rediff.com22 Jul 2026

The Cockroach Janta Party has significantly escalated its sit-in protest at Jantar Mantar, demanding the resignation of Dharmendra Pradhan.

Ramayana Director Nitesh Tiwari's Films, Ranked

Ramayana Director Nitesh Tiwari's Films, Ranked

Rediff.com18 Aug 2026

From the record-breaking Dangal to the divisive Bawaal, here's a look at Nitesh Tiwari's five films ranked from worst to best.

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi criticises Saffron Hockey Jersey

Congress MP Priyanka Gandhi criticises Saffron Hockey Jersey

Rediff.com30 Jul 2026

'Whether they change uniforms or try to rewrite history through education policy, no matter what they do... You have seen what the youth of our country think about this...'

SC shields student protesters; mulls SIT probe into police excesses

SC shields student protesters; mulls SIT probe into police excesses

Rediff.com28 Jul 2026

The Supreme Court has issued interim directions regarding nationwide protests over the NEET paper leak, ordering the release of minor student protesters without criminal records and directing states to preserve all digital evidence. The court also called for a fair and independent investigation into allegations of police excesses against students, while also acknowledging concerns for injured police personnel.

Sports Ministry Directs Hockey India To Probe Harassment Allegations

Sports Ministry Directs Hockey India To Probe Harassment Allegations

Rediff.com14 Jul 2026

The Sports Ministry has directed Hockey India to investigate allegations of intimidation and sexual harassment made by former India captain Asunta Lakra. Lakra accused HI general secretary Bhola Nath Singh and highlighted institutional protection for alleged misconduct, urging an independent inquiry and stronger safeguards for women athletes.

What If the Biggest Bank Fraud Risk Is An Employee?

What If the Biggest Bank Fraud Risk Is An Employee?

Rediff.com21 Aug 2026

Bank fraud is no longer just an external cyber threat -- insiders with legitimate access can exploit banking systems, trusted credentials and institutional blind spots to quietly siphon money.

Kotak reveals batting tweaks that helped Devdutt Padikkal flourish against Sri Lanka

Kotak reveals batting tweaks that helped Devdutt Padikkal flourish against Sri Lanka

Rediff.com15 Aug 2026

India's batting coach Sitanshu Kotak lauded Devdutt Padikkal for his maiden international century against Sri Lanka, highlighting his dedicated work on back foot play and shot selection. Kotak also provided an update on vice-captain KL Rahul, who retired hurt due to cramps but is expected to be fit for the next day's play. The coach further discussed the Galle pitch conditions, anticipating more turn as the Test progresses, and praised Rahul's versatility across formats.

VS Rathanvel secures Grandmaster title as India nears historic 100th GM mark

VS Rathanvel secures Grandmaster title as India nears historic 100th GM mark

Rediff.com18 Jul 2026

V S Rathanvel has become India's 99th Grandmaster, fulfilling a five-year dream after crossing the 2500 Elo rating mark at the Guwahati Smart City International Open 2026. His achievement brings India closer to the landmark 100th GM milestone, marking a significant moment for Indian chess.

4 bills introduced in Lok Sabha amid opposition protests

4 bills introduced in Lok Sabha amid opposition protests

Rediff.com10 Aug 2026

The Lok Sabha introduced four significant bills on Monday, including amendments to mines and minerals regulations, the establishment of a National Tribunals Commission, and the renaming of Kerala to Keralam, all while facing continuous protests from opposition members demanding a discussion on the July 20 police crackdown on students.

Maruti Suzuki urges govt for 'as-is' settlement or amnesty scheme for indirect tax disputes

Maruti Suzuki urges govt for 'as-is' settlement or amnesty scheme for indirect tax disputes

Rediff.com7 Aug 2026

Maruti Suzuki India's CFO, Arnab Roy, has urged the central government to introduce an amnesty scheme or an 'as-is' settlement option to resolve past indirect tax disputes, aiming to clear legacy litigation and foster growth in the automotive industry. Roy emphasised the need for a 'smarter way to address the past' to provide long-term certainty for businesses.